Florida Attorney General - Volume 7, Issue 44

Publication of the Office of the Attorney General • Volume 7, Issue 44 • November 6, 2009

Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans

Very few holidays hold the same symbolic importance as Veteran’s Day. On this day, we pay tribute and respect to the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line to ensure people all over the world are protected from oppression and provided basic rights that every human being should be granted. In the face of extreme hardship and even death, they have continued their bravery and their resolve to defend the interests of our nation both domestic and abroad.

The faces of today’s veterans are men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds. They have fought in every war since World War II, and they know first hand the price of freedom. My father and son are both veterans of war, and I could not be more proud of their service to our country and the sacrifices they have made on behalf of humanity throughout the planet. Next Wednesday, as we celebrate Veteran’s Day, take a moment to think about tomorrow’s Veterans; the men and women still serving in the Armed Forces around the world and offer them the thanks they so richly deserve.

A Pinellas County man was arrested on charges of child pornography possession. Christopher O'Conner was arrested today by law enforcement with the Attorney General's CyberCrime Unit and the St. Petersburg Police Department with assistance from the Kenneth City Police Department and the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement.

Attorney General McCollum hosted a CyberSafety presentation for parents, teachers and guardians to educate them about how to keep their children safe online. The 50-minute presentation walks participants through what children may be exposed to while online and tactics internet predators use, as well as tips for talking to children about safe internet use. The event, the first of its kind to be hosted for parents, was held at Leon High School in Tallahassee.

Attorney General McCollum joined 39 other Attorneys General in urging Congress to uphold the role of the states in enforcing consumer protection laws, should the Congress create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). The Attorneys General stated that allowing the states to enforce federal standards will maximize government resources, promote honest competition and deter potential violators.

Attorney General McCollum announced that his office has sued Expedia, Inc., Orbitz, LLC, and Orbitz, Inc., the leading internet travel companies, asking for a declaratory judgment that the companies’ failure to remit the appropriate amount of taxes on hotel room rentals is a violation of Florida law. The lawsuit states that while the companies have been collecting these taxes from consumers all along, they have only been remitting a portion of the taxes owed to taxing authorities, keeping the rest as profit. This practice allegedly denies the State millions of dollars every year in tax revenue – money that could be used for the benefit of the public.

Attorney General McCollum announced that his office has filed a lawsuit and has requested an emergency injunction against two related South Florida timeshare resale marketing companies. Universal Marketing Solutions, Creative Vacation Solutions, and owner/manager Jennifer Kirk allegedly collected over $4 million in marketing fees on a monthly basis, but rarely if ever marketed, advertised, or facilitated sales for the timeshare owners who had contracts with the companies. The injunction requests the companies’ cease doing any timeshare business while the lawsuit is pending.

Attorney General Issues Statement on Deadly Orlando Shootings

Pinellas County Man on Charges of Child Pornography Possession

McCollum, State Attorneys General to Congress: Don't Preempt State Enforcement of Consumer Protection Laws

Attorney General Hosts Adult CyberSafety Presentation in Capital City

Attorney General Asks Court to Clarify Florida Tax Issue

McCollum Sends Request to Legislature for More Authority Over Debt Collectors

Attorney General: Injunction Sought Against Two Timeshare Resale Companies

Attorney General McCollum issued the following statement on the deadly shootings in downtown Orlando:
“A terrible tragedy has occurred in my home town of Orlando, and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the victims. I have full faith in the local authorities as they work to bring the responsible party or parties to justice, and I offer whatever support my office has available if needed.”

Attorney General McCollum sent a letter to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, asking for expanded authority to bring civil lawsuits against abusive debt collectors. The draft legislative language would make certain debt collector practices a "per se" violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (F.S. Ch. 501 Part II), providing a clear basis for pursuing civil litigation.